Knockoff? Your experiences appreciated.
Mar 9, 2014 08:42:59 #
ncshutterbug wrote:
The ratings mean nothing. I was scammed on Ebay (luckily it was only $80) by someone with 100% good rating.
Good point. Let me amend my statement. never buy from anyone with a low rating. Good ratings can be faked, but a bad rating is a bad rating.
Mar 9, 2014 10:02:34 #
The low cost of those lenses may indicate 'Gray Market' meaning they do not come with a USA Warranty, however I will say that 4 years ago I bought 2 lenses from PhotoVideo4Less they were Sigma's 18-250mm OS, and the 150mm F/2.8 Macro and had the best price I could find at that time. Both lenses arrived within 8-10 days both were USA lenses and I never had a bit of trouble with them. The other vendors I cannot vouch for. I went to photovideo4less.com and they list the Nikon 55-300mm VR for $239.95, it is a refurbished lens so that price is fine.
Mar 9, 2014 10:27:31 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Sometimes, authorized dealers offer over-stocked items to non-authorized dealers at a discount. The non-authorized dealers may re-box the kit lenses to squeeze a little more profit out of the deal. Same products. If you're concerned with warranty, would ask first.
Mar 9, 2014 10:27:37 #
tisrjtisrj1 wrote:
The prices and the 99% satisfaction is a strong indicators that these may be questionable distributors.
Does anyone have experience with these companies on Ebay?
Does anyone have experience with these companies on Ebay?
The trick with eBay ratings is to look at two things:
1) How many reviews they have. Simple: The more the merrier.
and
2) What their history looks like. If they have a long, steady history of selling the same kind of product over that time, you're probably fine. But if they've sold nothing but $2 - 3 items over the last month and suddenly their selling a Nikon D4s at a bargain, beware.
Another thing to consider on eBay is whether or not it's an auction. Many auctions start at lower prices and work their way up to actual value before the auction ends.
Mar 9, 2014 10:29:07 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Sometimes, authorized dealers offer over-stocked items to non-authorized dealers at a discount. The non-authorized dealers may re-box the kit lenses to squeeze a little more profit out of the deal. Same products. If you're concerned with warranty, would ask first.
Mar 9, 2014 10:36:39 #
You didn't mention whether you had checked Cameta Camera prices - I have bought from them in the past and will again. For reasons which I have stated on previous postings, I prefer to buy refurbished equipment to get the most 'bang for the buck'.
The Refurbished 55-300mm Nikkor lens you seek sells for $239.95.
alternatively, the Refurbished 75-300mm sells for $369.95. (presently out of stock). I believe this lens to be superior to the 55-300mm.
Both include shipping and a 1 year warranty.
The Refurbished 55-300mm Nikkor lens you seek sells for $239.95.
alternatively, the Refurbished 75-300mm sells for $369.95. (presently out of stock). I believe this lens to be superior to the 55-300mm.
Both include shipping and a 1 year warranty.
Mar 9, 2014 11:29:04 #
Though it might cost more, I prefer to buy cameras and lenses locally rather than online because of the service and help they provide.
Mar 9, 2014 11:34:08 #
williamweldon
Loc: North GA mountains USA
Have you checked the majors (adorama, B&H etc) for grey market? You don't get the U.S. warranty but if I buy with my credit card I have a two year warranty through them.
Mar 9, 2014 11:48:50 #
Collie lover wrote:
Though it might cost more, I prefer to buy cameras and lenses locally rather than online because of the service and help they provide.
+1 Saving a few, even more than a few $$s simply isn't worth the hassle in the event something goes wrong. And I do like to support local B&M stores. The day is fast approaching when there will no longer be any photography stores who can afford to keep their doors open. To me, that is a very sad eventuality as I do like to be able to see something in the flesh and see how it fits, feels in my hands and be able to determine if it's going to meet my needs.
Mar 9, 2014 13:47:51 #
High marks for 'getitdigital'. Purchased a Canon 18-135mm STM lens from them in January 2014 without any problem whatsoever. Very professional transaction. I always use PayPal which will freeze any transaction on eBay when a customer complaint is registered. I've only had two issues on eBay purchases over the years with private sellers. (music-related) and both times PayPal froze the sellers account until they made good on the promised deal.
Lots of folks are afraid of photographic equipment purchases with on-line companies that aren't named B&H or Adorama. Use PayPal and 'Getitgigital' won't disappoint.
Lots of folks are afraid of photographic equipment purchases with on-line companies that aren't named B&H or Adorama. Use PayPal and 'Getitgigital' won't disappoint.
Mar 9, 2014 14:38:39 #
I bought an exact one from Adorama as a refurbished product for $239. It is clear and sharp. Works well with my Nikon D5000. OK, I am a lightyear of distance from even a paraprofessional photographer. Just have some fun shooting pictures. My original 55-200 Lens was hit and sent flying by an also flying soccer ball while I was shooting a soccer game (stayed too close to the field, you know!). Too bad, nobody claimed responsibility, including Nikon. Have to swallow the loss but do not want to spend another $400. Therefore, this is my best choice. So far, I have nothing to complain about it.
Mar 9, 2014 15:07:16 #
tisrjtisrj1 wrote:
I wish to purchase a Nikon 55-300 lens. B&H, ... (show quote)
Well,
1) Do they have an address and phone number listed?
2) Are they rated by the BBB?
3) Is gear gray market or do you get a full US Manufacturers Warranty?
If any are no, then run, don't walk in the oposite direction.
Mar 9, 2014 15:53:34 #
Whuff wrote:
Some disreputable dealers will post false feedback in order to look reputable. I've seen it with other no name dealers. I can't say that these particular ones do that, but I would be very wary.
I read somewhere that venders can post false positive feedback on Ebay. In fact, check one or more of the venders listed. Some have well over 100k positive feedback. My question is how do they do that when there is supposed to be an Ebay generated auction # for each new auction? I would think Ebay could control that.
Mar 9, 2014 17:59:31 #
nedell
Loc: Holland NY USA
tisrjtisrj1 wrote:
I wish to purchase a Nikon 55-300 lens. B&H, ... (show quote)
If its an ebay buy it now auction or just a fixed price auction, I would worry if the satisfaction rating was BELOW 99%, not if it was above. If it was a sponsored link at the bottom of the page, buyer beware.
Mar 9, 2014 18:35:01 #
williamweldon
Loc: North GA mountains USA
No UV filter? Today a friend's girlfriend's son bumped his Cannon against his car. The cost? A new UV filter!
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